Be Informed

The state of Louisiana, in revised statute 40:1299.35.6, advises: "There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you to carry your child to term, and to assist you and your child after your child is born, whether you choose to keep your child or to place her or him for adoption. The state of Louisiana strongly urges you to contact them before making a final decision about abortion. The law requires that your physician or his agent give you the opportunity to call agencies like these before you undergo an abortion."

What types of abortion am I familiar with?
Plan B One Step, MAP, ella, RU486, the abortion pill, Suction Aspiration, D&C, D&E, Medical, Surgical … there are many options to consider when thinking of abortion. Depending on the results of your ultrasound, the counselors and medical team at Crossroads can discuss with you which abortion procedure YOU’LL likely need to know most about.

What happens after an abortion?
It may seem like abortion will fix your “problems” so you can just move on. It’s not that simple. In fact, many report that abortion is just the start of their problems. Abortion is not like a Tylenol that makes a headache go away. It is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion and its risks. Be smart, and KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

What are the risks to me?
There are possible serious emotional, mental, and physical risks to abortion. Serious medical complications occur infrequently in early abortions, but increase with later abortions. Emotional and mental problems may be associated with any stage of abortion and vary from person to person. Getting complete information on the risks of abortion is limited because complications aren’t always reported properly or consistently.

What will my baby feel?
"By twenty weeks gestation, the unborn child has the physical structures necessary to experience pain. There is evidence that by twenty weeks gestation unborn children seek to evade certain stimuli in a manner which in an infant or an adult would be interpreted to be a response to pain. Anesthesia is routinely administered to unborn children who are twenty weeks gestational age or older who undergo prenatal surgery." 40:1299.35.6, advises

Physical or Medical Risks
After an abortion, many women report abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, spotting and bleeding. More serious medical complications sometimes occur and increase with later abortions.

  • Bleeding
    Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, if the cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is a risk of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required. Severe bleeding is also a risk with the use of the abortion pill.

  • Infection
    Infection can develop from the medical instruments being inside the uterus or from fetal body parts that are mistakenly left inside (known as an incomplete abortion). This may cause bleeding and a pelvic infection requiring antibiotics and a repeat abortion to fully empty the uterus. Use of the abortion pill has resulted in the death of a number of women due to sepsis (total body infection).

  • Damage to organs
    The cervix and/or uterus may be cut, torn, or damaged by abortion instruments. This may cause excessive bleeding requiring surgical repair and may also risk damage to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.. These risks increase with the length of the pregnancy. If complications occur, major surgery may be required, including removal of the uterus (known as a hysterectomy).


  • Decrease or damage to future fertility

  • Death
    In extreme cases, complications from abortion (excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia) may lead to death. This complication is rare.


  • Long-Term Risks

  • Abortion and Preterm Birth
    Women who undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significantly increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future. Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of cerebral palsy, as well as other complications of prematurity (brain, respiratory, bowel, and eye problems).

  • Abortion and Breast Cancer
    Medical experts continue to debate the association between abortion and breast cancer. Did you know that carrying a pregnancy to full term gives a measure of protection against breast cancer? Terminating a pregnancy results in loss of that protection. Despite the controversy around this issue, it is important for women to know what some experts say: a number of reliable studies have demonstrated a connection between abortion and later development of breast cancer.

Emotional and Psychological Effects
After an abortion, some women feel relieved at first, and they try to move on with their life. For many women, however, the crisis isn’t over and they continuously feel like “something” is missing or that something isn’t right. Months or years later, significant problems can develop. Many studies have shown abortion to be connected to:

  • Guilt, Grief, Regret, Anger, Anxiety, Loneliness, Withdrawal, Worthlessness
  • Difficulty Bonding with Partner or Children
  • Eating Disorders
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Nightmares or other sleep problems
  • Clinical Depression
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Psychiatric hospitalization
  • Suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, Crossroads offers confidential, compassionate support in an individual or group setting that is designed to help you work through these feelings. You are not alone.

Spiritual Consequences
People have different understandings of God and spirituality. Whatever your present beliefs and relationship with God may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that can significantly impact your well-being. Our caring counselors are here to talk with you about any concerns you may have. If you can’t talk to us, trust in your pastor or priest to help you come to a decision you can live with.